Course Overview: Forensic psychology is an interdisciplinary field that combines psychology and law to understand and analyze criminal behavior. This three-month course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of forensic psychology, its theories, and practical applications. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises, students will develop critical thinking skills and learn to apply psychological principles to real-life criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
Week 1: Introduction to Forensic Psychology
- Introduction to forensic psychology and its scope
- Historical overview and key contributors
- The role of forensic psychologists in the criminal justice system
- Ethical considerations in forensic psychology
Week 2: Criminal Behavior Theories
- Psychological theories of criminal behavior (e.g., psychopathy, antisocial personality disorder)
- Biological and genetic factors in criminal behavior
- Environmental and sociocultural influences on criminality
- Case studies and discussions on criminal behavior theories
Week 3: Investigative Psychology
- Profiling and crime scene analysis
- Eyewitness testimony and memory
- Geographic profiling and offender profiling
- Psycholinguistics and forensic linguistics
Week 4: Psychological Assessment in Forensic Settings
- Psychopathy assessment and risk assessment tools
- Assessing competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility
- Violence risk assessment and treatment planning
- Ethical considerations in forensic assessment
Week 5: Victims and Victimology
- The psychological impact of crime on victims
- Victim blaming and secondary victimization
- Crisis intervention and support for victims
- Restorative justice and victim-offender reconciliation
Week 6: Psychology of Criminal Investigations
- Interrogation techniques and false confessions
- Eyewitness identification and lineup procedures
- Psychological aspects of interviewing suspects and witnesses
- Cognitive biases in investigative decision-making
Week 7: Forensic Mental Health
- Mental health issues in the criminal justice system
- Competency evaluations and mental state at the time of the offense
- Treatment and rehabilitation of offenders
- Forensic psychiatric hospitals and prison psychology
Week 8: Psychology in the Courtroom
- Expert witness testimony and credibility
- Jury selection and decision-making processes
- Pre-trial publicity and its impact on trial outcomes
- Forensic psychology and the sentencing phase
Week 9: Special Topics in Forensic Psychology
- Forensic child psychology
- Domestic violence and intimate partner violence
- Cybercrime and online behavior
- Hate crimes and terrorism
Week 10: Forensic Psychology in Practice
- Forensic psychology in correctional settings
- Consultation and collaboration with legal professionals
- Case studies and real-world applications
- Professional and ethical considerations in forensic practice
Week 11-12: Capstone Project and Review
- Students will work on a capstone project related to a specific area of forensic psychology, integrating their knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course.
- Final presentations and discussions
- Course review and wrap-up
Note: The course outline provided is a general framework and can be customized based on the target audience, available resources, and specific learning objectives. It is recommended to allocate sufficient time for class discussions, practical exercises, and guest lectures by professionals working in the field of forensic psychology.
No comments:
Post a Comment